The Ultimate Encyclopedia of RV Terms

Recreational Vehicles come with a unique vocabulary that can be overwhelming for newcomers. This encyclopedia compiles hundreds of common RV terms, slang, abbreviations, and definitions drawn from various expert sources in the RV community.

Terms are organized alphabetically for easy reference, with concise definitions to help you navigate the world of RVing like a pro. Whether you’re a full-timer, a weekend warrior, or just starting out, this guide aims to be your go-to resource.

A

4-Pin Electrical Connector: This provides power from your tow vehicle to your RV for the lights only.
7-Pin Electrical Connector: This provides power from your tow vehicle to your RV for the lights as well as the electrically operated brakes.
A/C: Shorthand for air conditioner; also an abbreviation for air conditioning, referring to the cooling system in an RV.
AC Electricity: An alternating electrical current also known as shoreline power.
AGM batteries: AGM (absorbent glass mat) batteries are a type of lead-acid battery that absorbs the acid in a sealed mat, making them spill-proof and maintenance-free.
A-frame: A type of towable RV that has hard sides and a peaked roof that resembles an A-frame structure. It is compact and easy to tow.
A-frame Jack: A device designed to support the weight of A-frame trailers. A-frame jacks can be bolted or welded directly onto the trailer frame and are able to retract for travel clearance.
Adjustable Ball Mount: A height adjustable ball mount allows the ball and tongue height to be properly matched between tow vehicle and trailer.
Air brake: The type of braking system used for many diesel Class A and Super C RVs. It operates using compressed air to apply pressure to the brake pads.
Aluminum Exterior Sidewalls: This term refers to the outside construction of your RV. It consists of a wooden framing with an aluminum exterior and batten insulation.
Ampere (or Amp): The electric current unit of measure. RV sites with electric hookups will specify the maximum amps supported, which generally come in units of 20, 30, or 50 amps. The RV power connector must match the various plugs of the site amp rating.
Anode Rod: When used in a steel water heater tank, this piece attracts corrosion-causing particles in the water, so the particles do not attack the metal tank of the water heater.
Auxiliary Battery: An extra battery to run your 12-volt equipment; also a 12-volt DC deep cycle battery that runs your RV’s equipment.
Awning: Vinyl that provides shade around the RV exterior when set up at a campsite. Typically uses an electrical or manual system to retract or expand. A retractable covering attached to the side of an RV that provides shade and protection from the elements; a roof-like structure made of canvas or other materials which extend from the RV body to provide shade. RV awnings are generally placed over entrances. Some extend and stow manually while others are operated electrically.

B

Back-in campsite: Requires reversing into the spot, sometimes with a lot of precision.
Back-up monitor: A camera mounted on the back of the RV that provides the driver with an extra eye when backing up the RV; back-up monitors are typically in-dash by the driver’s seat.
Basement: Storage that is accessible through exterior doors and located beneath your RV’s flooring; the large storage area underneath your RV’s floor accessible from outside storage doors; an exterior storage compartment that is located under the floor of an RV. This storage space can be optimized by adding a cargo tray that slides in and out of the basement for easy access to belongings; storage compartments located beneath the main living area of a motorhome or fifth wheel.
Battery bank: A group of batteries wired together to increase an RV’s overall storage capacity for electrical power.
Bed Lift: A motorized or pulley system that lifts your RV bed up and down. Bed lifts allow for the space underneath the bed to be utilized for storage.
Black Water: Associated with the sewage holding tank where water from the toilet drains.
Black Water Capacity: The amount of wastewater from the toilet that your RV’s black water tank can hold.
Black water tank: A component of an RV’s waste management system designed to collect and store sewage from the toilet.
Blue Boy (or Honey Pot): A portable waste holding tank with wheels on one end. These tanks are often manufactured out of blue plastic, hence the nickname “Blue Boy.”
Boondocking: Living off the grid = no hookups (water, sewer, or electric). Often done on public lands or in Walmart parking lots. Also referred to as dry camping or off-grid camping; camping without electrical and water hookups outside of developed campgrounds; camping off-the-grid with no services or amenities typically found at RV parks or developed campgrounds. Most RVers say they are boondocking when they camp for free on public lands. Also known as wild camping or freedom camping.
Booth Dinette: Dining area with bench seats on opposite sides and a table in-between. Many RVs have booth dinettes that convert to an extra sleeping space.
Brake Controller: A device mounted inside the tow vehicle that will apply the trailer brakes simultaneously when the tow vehicle brakes; a device mounted under the dash of a towing vehicle to control the braking system of the RV. Brake controllers are also important for monitoring a trailer’s braking system; an electronic device that controls the electric brakes on a towable RV, enhancing braking performance and safety.
Breakaway Switch: A safety switch that will automatically activate the brakes on the trailer if your trailer becomes separated from the tow vehicle; an electrical switch on trailers designed to engage the brakes if the trailer breaks away from the tow vehicle. The switch is connected by a cable to the tow vehicle. Breakaway is detected when the switch cable is pulled out during vehicle separation; a safety device that activates the trailer brakes if the trailer becomes disconnected from the tow vehicle.
British Thermal Unit (BTU): It’s a measurement of heat; the quantity required to raise the temperature of one pound of water 1 degree F. RV air conditioning and furnace units are BTU-rated; measurement of heat that is the quantity required to raise the temperature of one pound of water 1°F. RV air conditioners and furnaces are BTU-rated.
BTU (British Thermal Unit): See British Thermal Unit.
Bumper Pull: Another name for a travel trailer because it gets pulled by the bumper of a tow vehicle; a type of travel trailer that is hitched to a tow vehicle using a ball hitch mounted on the rear bumper or frame of the vehicle.
Bunkhouse: Feature that includes bunk beds in the RV. This may be the only sleeping arrangement in the RV, or there may be a mix of bunkhouse and other sleeping setups; refers to the floorplan style of an RV that has bunk beds; a separate sleeping space in an RV with bunk beds. Bunkhouses are common in fifth wheels, travel trailers, and Class A RVs.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM): A public land management agency supported by U.S. taxes and government funding that helps keep U.S. public lands cared for.

C

Cab: The front of a motorhome where the driver’s seat and passenger’s seat are. Sometimes referred to as the cockpit of the RV.
Cab over bunk: A sleeping area located above the driver’s cab in a Class C or Class B motorhome, providing additional sleeping space.
Cab-over: This is a space that sits over the cab of a motorhome and typically includes sleeping or storage space. May also include a TV for the person using the space.
Camber (Wheel Alignment): The number of degrees each wheel is off from vertical. Looking from the front, if the tops of the wheels are farther apart than the bottoms, it means the wheels have a positive camber. As the load pushes the front end of a vehicle down, or the springs get weak, the camber would go from positive to none to negative, meaning the bottoms of the wheels are farther apart than the tops.
Camper: Another word for a towable RV. Campers typically refer to travel trailers, pop-up trailers, and A-frame trailers, but teardrops and other tow-behind trailers can also be called campers.
Campervan: A van that has been customized for camping. Also, a Class B motorhome or conversion van.
Campground: A designated place for camping, usually with many different campsites.
Camping: An outdoor recreational activity where you spend one or more nights in a tent, primitive structure or RV with the purpose of getting away from civilization and enjoying nature.
Campsite: An area where an individual or family might go camping (usually within a campground). Great for customizing to your own unique style!
Captain’s chair: The driver’s seat of a motorhome, it often includes comfortable designs that make it more luxurious than a traditional vehicle driver’s seat.
Carbon Monoxide: A colorless, odorless and poisonous gas.
Caravan: The European name for a travel trailer.
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): The maximum weight limit for personal items you can add to an RV; equal to GVWR minus each of the following: UVW, full fresh water weight (including the water heater), full propane weight and SCWR.
Cargo Weight: The actual weight of all items added to the curb weight of the vehicle or trailer. This includes personal cargo, optional equipment and tongue or king pin weight.
Cassette toilet: A type of RV toilet that holds the waste in a small canister made for easy removal and dumping. Cassette toilets hold less waste than most black water tanks.
CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity): See Cargo Carrying Capacity.
Chassis: It’s the framework your RV is built upon. In motorhomes, the chassis generally includes the engine and transmission; the supportive frame of your RV; the frame that supports a motorhome’s engine and body.
Chassis Battery: The battery in your motorhome that operates 12-volt components of the drivetrain; the battery that powers the engine and vehicle functions of a motorhome, separate from the house battery.
Chucking: The bumpy, jerking motion felt when towing a trailer – usually from uneven road surfaces or poor weight distribution; the fore and aft jerking motion that happens when towing a trailer that is usually caused by an unbalanced trailer or uneven road.
City Water: The water supply you hook up to at a campsite. It is called city water because water is pulled from a central outside source (like a city) and not the fresh water tank.
Class A: A type of RV that is often pushed by a rear diesel engine and specifically built on a motorhome chassis by an RV manufacturer; Class A motorhomes are the largest and often most luxurious type of motorhome, built on a heavy-duty chassis and offering a high level of comfort and amenities.
Class A diesel motorhome: Also known as diesel pushers or pullers, Class A diesel RVs are motorhomes that are self-contained. There is no vehicle needed to pull a Class A diesel RV. These RVs are large and run on diesel fuel, often including a rear-engine, multiple slide outs, onboard generators, luxury amenities, and spacious designs.
Class A gas motorhome: These RVs are large self-contained gas-powered motorhomes that include features such as slide outs, appliances, and residential-style amenities. They often include exterior features, built-in generators, and luxury elements.
Class B: A compact van converted into an RV by a manufacturer that has scaled back, yet similar amenities to a Class A; Class B motorhomes are compact, drivable RVs built on a van chassis and available with gas or diesel engines. Also called campervans.
Class B motorhome: These smaller motorhomes are also known as campervans. Class B RVs are self-contained motorhomes that are often built on a van chassis and can include a wet bath, galley kitchen, and sleeping space.
Class C: Situated between Class As and Class Bs, Class C is a mid-size motorhome that is self-contained. It is powered by either a gas or diesel engine and can include a variety of features such as slide outs, basement storage, outdoor entertainment, and more; a mid-sized RV that can be recognized by the raised sleeping or storage area above the cab; Class C motorhomes are the second largest type of motorhome, built on a van chassis and designed for versatility and easy driving.
Cockpit: Front of your motorhome where the driver pilot seat and passenger co-pilot seats are located; the space in the front of an RV where the driver and passenger seats are located; the front area of a motorhome where the driver and front passenger sit.
Cockpit/cab: See Cockpit.
Comfort station: A public restroom for campers and travelers. These facilities often include toilets, sinks, and sometimes showers.
Condensation: The result of warm moisture-laden air contacting cold window glass. Keeping a roof vent open helps to reduce humidity levels. Added roof vent covers help to prevent cold air from dropping down through the vent while still allowing moist air to escape. Using the roof or stove vent fans.
Control Panel: A panel to adjust the RV’s systems for climate, water and power. Many modern RVs include touchscreen panels and/or apps for ease of use; the central hub in an RV where you can monitor and control various systems such as lights, tanks, and batteries.
Converter: Converts 120-volt AC power to 12-volt DC power and also charges your 12-volt battery; a device that takes the AC power from an external source (like a campground hookup or a generator) and changes it into DC power. DC power charges your RV’s batteries and powers things like the lights, water pump, and other 12-volt systems in an RV.
Conversion van: A standard van that has been modified with amenities for camping or travel, such as a bed, small kitchen, and sometimes a bathroom. Also called campervans.
Cottage RV: An RVezy RV rental that stays in one place, like an Airbnb or Vrbo RV rental. In the United States, a cottage RV rental is sometimes called a stationary RV rental.
Curb weight: Curb weight is a measurement of the vehicle’s total weight without any cargo.

D

Diesel Puller or FRED (FRont Engine Diesel): Refers to diesel motorhomes with engine located in the front of the RV.
Diesel Pusher: Refers to diesel motorhome with engine located in the rear of the RV. The engine location provides a smoother, quieter ride; a nickname that refers to a diesel Class A motorhome. In motorhomes, diesel engines are located in the back of the motorhome and push the RV instead of pulling.
Dinette: The dining area of an RV that typically includes booth-style seating and a dining table. In many RVs this can be converted into sleeping space; the dinette is a compact table with chairs or booth-style benches. In an RV, the dinette can often be converted into a bed for.
Dinette (dinette bed): See Dinette.
Dinghy: A vehicle towed behind an RV; also called a “toad” occasionally; a vehicle towed behind a motorhome. Also called a TOAD.
Dry Weight: The weight of the RV as it comes off the assembly line, not including supplies, water, fuel or passenger weights. Manufacturers apply a sticker listing the dry weight prior to shipping.
DSI Ignition or Direct Spark Ignition: Used to describe the method of igniting the main burner on a propane fired appliance.
Ducted A/C: Describes an RV wherein air conditioning is supplied through ducts in the ceiling and vents throughout the RV.
Ducted Heat: Describes an RV wherein heat is supplied through ducts in the floor and vents throughout the RV.
Dump Station: Refers to a location where you can safely and legally dump your black and gray water tanks. Typically, a concrete pad with a tank underneath the ground.

E

Enclosed/Sealed Underbelly: This term describes an RV whose bottom surface has been closed shut or insulated to help protect against temperature changes.
Engine: Provides power to your motorhome, can be diesel or gas-powered.
Exterior sidewalls: The exterior construction of your RV, often sidewalls are aluminum or another metal.

F

Fifth Wheel RV: This towable RV is identified by its hitch that connects to your truck bed rather than the truck hitch. By connecting to an attachment in your truck bed rather than the hitch, fifth wheel RVs are secured with increased stability. Inside, these RVs can bring multi-level living, luxury designs, and residential-style amenities.
Fireplace: This is often included in the living room area of newer RVs and motorhomes. It is generally an electric fireplace that gives warmth and the appearance of a traditional fireplace.
Fiver: Slang for a fifth-wheel trailer. These RVs hook into the bed of a pickup truck using a specialized hitch.
Free Standing Dinette: Dining area with individual chairs and a table in-between.
Fresh Water Capacity: The amount of drinkable water an RV’s freshwater tank can hold.
Front Galley: A type of floorplan with the kitchen located in the front section of the RV.
Front Living: A type of floorplan with the living room located in the front section of the RV.
Front Sleeping: A type of floorplan with the master bedroom located in the front section of the RV.
Fuel Type: Type of fuel a motorhome uses, either gas or diesel.
Full Hookup: RV term that describes a campsite that offers a water supply, sewer/septic and electricity.
Full-timers: People who live full-time in their RV, often traveling or stationed long-term without a traditional home base.

G

Galley kitchen: A common type of RV kitchen that is often in the middle of the RV.
Garage: Seen in toy haulers, this is an area of the RV that is used for transporting outdoor equipment. It typically uses a ramped door for easier loading and unloading.

J

Jackknife sofa: This is an RV sofa that can be pulled out flat to create a bed when camping.

L

Loft: A raised interior space of the RV, may be located above another room. This may contain a sleeping space or other features.

M

Murphy bed: A bed that folds out in the RV. It can be used for sleeping and then folded back up to allow the space to be used for other needs during the day.

P

Pop-Up Camper: One of the smaller and most lightweight RVs available, pop-up campers are defined by their expandable elements. Typically, they are compact for easy transport and have tent-like walls or ceilings that must be pitched when it’s time to camp. They can be towed by smaller vehicles and often include sleeping and dining features.

S

Skylight: An opening at the top of an RV, typically in the shower, that allows natural light into the space.
Slide outs: Sections of an RV that can be expanded when set up for camping.

T

Theater seating: An RV seating option that includes movie theater-style seats.
Toy Hauler RV: This RV is defined by its ability to haul recreational equipment such as ATVs, bicycles, and even motorcycles within the RV itself. This is typically done through a garage-style setup or designated storage space in the rear of the RV. Toy haulers can be fifth wheels, travel trailers, Class As, Class Cs, or other types of RVs.
Travel Trailer RV: This type of RV is pulled behind a vehicle using a hitch and is one of the most traditional types of RVs. The travel trailer can include features such as spacious kitchens, lofts, and murphy beds.

U

Underbelly: The underside of an RV, which may be enclosed or sealed to protect plumbing and wiring from the elements and improve insulation.
UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight): The weight of the RV as built at the factory, including full fuel, propane, and engine fluids, but without cargo, fresh water, or passengers.

V

Voltage: Refers to the electrical potential in an RV’s systems, commonly 12-volt DC for house batteries or 120-volt AC for shore power.
Vent: Openings in the RV roof or sides that allow air circulation; roof vents often include fans for exhaust or intake.

W

Water Heater: A device in the RV that heats water for showers, sinks, and appliances, typically powered by propane, electricity, or both.
Weight Distribution Hitch: A towing accessory that distributes the tongue weight of a trailer more evenly across the tow vehicle and trailer axles for safer handling.
Wet Bath: A compact RV bathroom where the shower, toilet, and sink are in one enclosed space, and the entire area gets wet during showering.
Wheelbase: The distance between the front and rear axles of a vehicle or RV, affecting stability and turning radius.

X

X-Chock: A wheel chock designed to fit between tandem trailer tires to prevent movement and stabilize the RV when parked.

Y

Y Adapter: An electrical adapter that allows two devices to connect to a single power source, often used for splitting 30-amp or 50-amp connections.

Z

Zero-Degree Rating: Refers to the temperature rating of an RV’s insulation and systems, indicating it can handle freezing conditions without damage to pipes or tanks.